“It’s a big milestone”: Spain prepare for Grand Final showdown

The end of the action-packed summer season means there's a six-week wait until racing resumes at the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix. But, after already booking their place in Abu Dhabi's Grand Final, Los Gallos are set to stay focused on their chance to pick up their second Championship title.

In Geneva, the Spanish claimed their third Grand Prix win in five events to all but guarantee their place in the Grand Final line-up alongside the Australians.

Los Gallos strategist Nicole van der Velden said it was a 'big milestone' for the team to qualify for the Grand Final for the second time. The team was just a lowly league underdog when it joined Bonds Flying Roos and the Black Foils in 2024's Grand Final. But after stunning both teams in a nail-biting showdown, Los Gallos has since transformed into a top SailGP team itself. This is despite missing out on the Grand Final last season, finishing one spot shy of qualification.

"It's a big milestone for the team after a very hard fought season to secure that spot," said van der Velden. "We've been doing a really good job and taking the points we need at each and every event."

While picking up points no longer matters for the Spanish team, it's about 'more of the same,' she said. "We need to keep seeing where we can improve in the last two events to get into that Final in the best position possible."

The preparation is mainly focused on mastering the tricky light wind conditions that swept Lake Geneva and are likely to be in play at both UAE events. These conditions call for 'a big wing configuration and fewer people on board', van der Velden said, which means 'quite a bit of multitasking for everyone'.

While Los Gallos is a key league contender in light airs, there's still plenty for the team to focus on.

"It's quite hard to race in those marginal conditions, so it's just about chipping away here and there and finding little gains in those conditions." Delving into the data, analyzing the numbers and sailing in other boats will all be key in their Grand Final preparations.

The break between races after such an action-packed summer season will be 'strange', she admits. "It's actually nice when you get into the rhythm of having so many events since we don't get so much time on these boats - we'll really need to keep in contact and stay focused."

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